THE CPA Australia Fiji Branch congress this year will provide an opportunity for participants to hear from dignitaries of the finance and business community and interact with industry experts.

CPA Australia Fiji Branch president Uday Sen said the theme for the CPA Congress this year was connecting the biggest minds.

Mr Sen said the theme was appropriate for the event because Fiji was poised to compete in the evolving global environment which provided a unique opportunity for their members to take the lead and take charge.

He made the comments at the $70,000 sponsorship cheque handover by Westpac Banking Corporation and Vodafone Fiji yesterday.

The 2017 CPA Congress will be held from September 14 to 15 at the Shangri-La's Fijian Resort with more than 450 delegates from various sectors expected to attend.

"We have seen continuing growth reinforcing the strength of the CPA designation and brand and the value it delivers for members in ensuring that we are heard and recognised wherever we are," said Mr Sen.

He said the theme would also allow the program to provide its members examples of leadership, looking at the opportunities that could be seized and capitalised on, in both good and bad times and empower them to lead their business to compete in a global economy.

"The congress also allows participants to connect with some of the best speakers on their subjects and to interact with industry experts.

"The 2017 CPA Congress will provide an opportunity to hear from dignitaries of the finance and business community, speakers that represent some of the brightest and most innovative minds, not just from the accountancy profession, but also from business and industry, government and global organisations."

Mr Sen said speakers would talk on key economic driver industries in Fiji such as the sugar industry, tourism and the retail sector.

Vodafone Fiji CEO Pradeep Lal said over the years the CPA Congress had been a hub for members and key speakers from the accounting and finance fraternity.

"As responsible corporates, we continue to invest in building capacities and capabilities in areas to lead the market with innovative business solutions that transform business processes, drive productivity improvements and business operations," said Mr Lal.

Meanwhile Westpac Fiji general manager Brett Hooker said over the past six years they had seen congress excel at delivering events that inspired members.

"Through our partnership with the CPA, and with Vodafone, we're helping to transform Fiji's economy, for the benefit of our customers, our staff, and our business.

"By making these connections, we're helping our customers and our people prosper and grow. For all those attending this year's CPA Congress, I am sure that — like every year — you will be inspired and reinvigorated by the event," said Mr Hooker.

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is expected to be the keynote speaker at the opening of the event.